Public Senior High School Principals’ Perceptions of the Functions of School Libraries--Based on Six High School Principals’ Personal Experiences

[[abstract]]The aim of this study is to learn about senior high school principals’ perceptions of the theoretical and practical functions of high school libraries. It also examines the barriers and facilitators to fully implement the functions and to explore the types of actions that can be taken to develop principal support. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with six public senior high school principals who were once directors of senior high school libraries. The response analysis from the purposive samples indicate that: (A) There is a difference between the perceived theoretical functions and the perceived practical functions of high school libraries.(B) The barriers to fully implement the theoretical library functions include students’ overwhelming stress of the college entrance exam; students’ being disinterested in reading; lack of formal library instructional courses, professional librarians, and support from teachers for collaboration and integration. Meanwhile, the changes in the educational climate, particularly the move to a diverse college entrance system, resource-based learning and hiring certified staff, have created opportunities for school libraries to function. (C) Five out of the six interviewees shared the same perception that most high school principals have little knowledge of the theoretical functions and true value of modern school libraries. Principals should be led to be knowledgeable about the library in order to become a strongly supportive advocate of the school library. Suggestions are submitted as followed: (A) Senior high school library staff should update their professional knowledge and inform their principals of the crucial functions of school libraries by communicating regularly with the principals and building shared vision with them to gain principal support. (B) Senior high school principals should know the potential of school libraries and empower them to be the niche of a quality school by hiring certified staff and encouraging collaboration between librarians and teachers. (C) The training and administration organizations should beat the drum for the true potential of a school library by including library and information science in the principal as well as teacher preparation programs, inviting principals to attend in-service training, conferences and visits of model school libraries and by offering library program checklists , guidelines or manual brochures for principals. Last but not least, the training organizations should make sure that strategies of communication are part of their program so as to breed the librarians who can develop the support and partnership with principals and teachers in schools.